Honaji Bala


Honaji Bala ; was an iconic Marathi poet from Maharashtra, India. He was also Shahir who traditionally sing the songs. He was very famous for the GhanShyam Sundara song.

Career

Honaji was born in a family of traditional milkmen. He used to deliver the milk to Peshwe in the morning and sing various songs in the evening as a part of entertainment at the residence. His father, uncle and grand father were also shahir and used to sing.
Honaji contributed significantly for the development of this genre of music. He introduced tabla in place of the traditional dholki. He also developed the baithakichi Lavani, a subgenre, which is presented by the singer in the seated position.

Film

The Marathi film,Amar Bhoopali,produced and directed by V. Shantaram in 1953 is based on the life of Honjai Bala. Panditrao Nagarkar played the role of Honaji Bala with Lalita Pawar and Sandhya in supporting roles. The screenplay was written by Vishram Bedekar.

Famous poems